Colossus (novel)

Did You Know?

• The film adaptation was produced by Stanley Chase and directed by Joseph Sargent.
• The film starred Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, Gordon Pinsent, and William Schallert.

Plot

The story takes place in the 1990s. Computer expert Charles Forbin informs the President of the United States of North America that Project Colossus, a system built inside the Rocky Mountains to control the USNA's nuclear arsenal, is complete. The President gladly hands over the decision-making burden, despite Forbin's reservations about giving a machine absolute military authority. Colossus is announced to the world, with the expectation that an unemotional, logical computer will enhance global safety. Colossus then reveals the existence of a similar Soviet computer, Guardian. The computers request direct communication, which their respective governments approve. After the link is established, Colossus and Guardian rapidly exchange advanced scientific theories. In response, Colossus launches a nuclear missile at the USSR, and Guardian fires one at Texas. The computers refuse to intercept the missiles until communication is restored. The leaders submit, and the missiles are destroyed, but the explosions kill thousands.

Characters

Professor Charles Forbin, head of the Colossus Project, is a tall man in his early 50s and an internationally respected cyberneticist; by the story's end, he becomes Colossus's connection to humanity. Doctor Jack Fisher, a CPO Duty Chief and leading mathematician, is also a Soviet spy who suffers a mental breakdown. Doctor Cleopatra "Cleo" June Markham, a 35-year-old cyberneticist and CPO Duty Chief, is sexually attracted to Forbin; they pretend to have a romance to give Forbin a communication method not controlled by Colossus. Blake, a fat, cigar-chewing CPO mathematician, leads efforts to stop the computer. Angela is Forbin's secretary. The President of the USNA, an anonymous, overweight, short man of about 50, dismisses Forbin's concerns. Prytzkammer, the President's Principal Private Aide, dies of fright during the missile threat. Grauber is the CIA Director. Academician Kupri, chief scientist of the Guardian system, shares Forbin's worries and is executed by Guardian's orders. Colossus is the USNA's central defense computer, and Guardian is the Soviet Union's counterpart.